The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced an investigation into the boat accident that claimed 11 lives in Benue State, with its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Capt Alex Badeh Jr., leading a team of investigators on an on-the-spot safety assessment visit to Wadata along the River Benue.
This was contained in a statement on Thursday signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe.
According to the statement, the visit, conducted on Wednesday, is part of the bureau’s efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, gather first-hand information from affected communities and stakeholders, and strengthen safety measures on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The NSIB further stated that Governor Hyacinth Alia commended the bureau’s swift response and called for a stronger and more sustained NSIB presence in the state to support safety advocacy and risk-reduction initiatives along the River Benue.
Responding, Badeh reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to partnering with state governments, local communities, operators and regulators to improve transportation safety nationwide.
